What are the major changes coming to Alberta's Bill of Rights?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said that changes are expected to come to the Alberta Bill of Rights.

In a video published on both her Facebook page and the Premier's YouTube page, Premier Smith said that her government is preparing to introduce legislation to amend the Alberta Bill of Rights in a matter of weeks.

While she said that the Bill had reflected shared values and protected rights like freedom of speech, religion, and equality before the law since its creation, Smith added that as society evolves, so must the document.

"One of the amendments we are making to the Bill of Rights is to reinforce the right of every Albertan to make their own choices regarding the medical treatments they receive. This includes ensuring that every individual in our province who has the mental capacity to do so will have the right to decide whether or not to receive a vaccination or other medical procedure," she said. "In recent years, we've seen the challenges and hardship that can arise when that right to bodily autonomy is not adequately protected. It is my firm conviction that no Albertan should ever be subjected or pressured into accepting a medical treatment without their full consent."

The changes also aim to strengthen property rights.

"This is a reaffirmation of your right to own and enjoy the property that you've worked so hard for. There will also be an amendment to make clear that in Alberta, we respect the right of individuals to legally acquire, keep and safely use firearms. For many Albertans, firearms are critical to their livelihood and way of life," Smith continued. "I personally feel that law-abiding firearms owners have been unfairly targeted by our federal government for decades, and it is my hope that these amendments will better protect the rights of our farmers, ranchers, hunters and sports enthusiasts."

The Premier concluded by saying that the amendments to Alberta's Bill of Rights are more than legal changes and that, in her view, they reaffirm the province's core values.

"They are about protecting our rights, our freedoms and our way of life. We are sending a clear message that in Alberta, the rights of individuals are paramount and that government must respect those rights at every turn. As your Premier, it is my duty and my honour to stand up for your rights. I believe deeply in the principles of individual freedom and personal responsibility that have guided and built this province for generations," she concluded.

In a written statement in response to the Premier's announcement, Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Alberta New Democrats (NDP), said that the proposed amendments are virtue signalling.

"... Over issues that she thinks will help her leadership review. Canadians’ fundamental human rights are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and this, or any, Provincial Bill does not override this," he stated. "The Premier’s constant playing to her base isn’t just irritating, it has real consequences. For example, she’s focused on people who refuse to get a vaccine. She is not focused on parents who want the best care for their kids or for those struggling with mental health and addiction who continue to lack access to critical services."

Nenshi added that, in his view, Albertans are not focused on the priorities she has outlined.

"They care about the cost of groceries in a province where inflation is consistently over the national average. They care about decent jobs in a province with the highest unemployment outside of Atlantic Canada. They care about our crumbling health care and education systems."

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